HOSPITAL staff in Oxfordshire are among the happiest in the NHS according to a new survey.

The Oxford Radcliffe Hospitals NHS Trust, which runs the John Radcliffe and Churchill Hospitals in Oxford and The Horton, in Banbury, is in the top 20 per cent of trusts in England for staff satisfaction.

The Healthcare Commission survey also showed an above average percentage of staff said they have supportive managers, good access to training and flexible working.

Staff are also among the least stressed in the NHS and the number planning to leave was well below the national average.

Compared with other trusts, those questioned said communication between management and staff was effective and there were fewer cases of harassment, bullying or abuse from patients or the public.

Trevor Campbell Davis, the trust's chief executive, said: "We have some of the busiest hospitals in the country, and in the past year have worked harder than ever to cut waiting times for patients, to use our resources more efficiently, and maintain a strong financial position.

"These challenges could have led to higher levels of stress and to job dissatisfaction. It's a credit to all our staff that we have created a culture where people feel satisfied and supported in their jobs, as this directly benefits our care for patients."

But only 46 per cent said they had an annual appraisal, which is fewer than previous years and lower than the national average.

The number of staff who said they received feedback or felt their good work had been recognised was higher than average.